Mercury winners included the Verado 175 hp in the 150-199 hp category, the 15 hp Bigfoot in the Below 50 hp models and the 75 hp OptiMax in the 75-99 hp division.

Mercury’s Verado 175 hp supercharged engine was acknowledged for its power, speed and lack of vibration. The Verado 175 is a four-cylinder FourStroke and is a key element in the 10-engine family, the only supercharged production engines in the world.

Verado revolutionized four-stroke outboard expectations, delivering the first true powerful hole shot for a four-stroke, as well as the industry’s lowest noise, vibration and harshness.

Mercury’s 75 hp OptiMax direct-injected engine was recognized for its superb acceleration, great value and low emissions. The 75 hp model is perfect for entry-level bass boats and small open skiffs.

Direct Injected engines are two-strokes – typically lightweight and relatively simple – that offer many of the amenities of four-strokes. The OptiMax provides great hole shot, impressive fuel efficiency, great top speed and no smoke.

The 75 hp weighs only 375 pounds and comes with a three-year warranty. It’s a direct injected three-cylinder with 1,562 cc of displacement.

Mercury’s 15 hp BigFoot offers surprisingly powerful punch due to an extended lower section, a large anti-ventilation plate and an over-sized, high-thrust propeller. Gear size and ratio are boosted, so the engine can turn the larger prop at proper rpm levels. That makes it particularly effective at pushing boats that are heavier and larger than a 15-hp engine typically can handle, such as pontoon boats or skiffs up to 18 feet in length.

The 15 hp Bigfoot is a two-cylinder FourStroke with 323 cc of displacement. It weighs just 128 pounds and comes with a three-year warranty.